Hi-tech policing needed to prevent ISI-Bangladesh nexus

Kolkata, Dec 18 (UNI) The Border Security Force (BSF) today stressed on hi-tech policing on Indo-Bangladesh border to break the nexus between Bangladesh and Pakistan's ISI operatives, hourbouring Jehadis and militants to work against India's interests.

'' We are at the borders. We can only identify and apprehend a militant or a Jehadi, but we cannot investigate further on how they operate as it falls under the jurisdiction of State police, '' outgoing Inspector General, South Bengal Frontier, Somesh Goyal told a news conference.

He said the nexus between Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh had posed a challenge to the security forces to prevent sneaking of anti-Indian elements as smuggling of fake notes, narcotics, contraband articles and lifting of cattle had increased manifold to sabotage the country's economy.

He said in the past two years 13 Jehadis/terrorists were apprehended, narotics worth Rs 6.5 crore seized, 32 fake currency worth Rs 1.3 crore detected, besides 2.5 lakh cattle heads and some 12,000 Bangladeshi smugglers apprehended.

Mr Goyal said though the country shares about 11,045 km border, only 531 km has been fenced.

The Jehadis mostly sneaked from riverine border of Sundarbans or Petrapole in North 24-Parganas, Murshidabad and Malda he said, adding it was becoming an uphill task to identify the Jehadis as most of them come as tourists or for medication.

He suggested the setting up medical hubs at all important entry points so that any person looking for treatment could avail the facility and thereby the Jehadis could be prevented from entering the country.

'' My point is since a seeker of medical help does not need to give any detail of his next stop or distination in India, a possible Jehadi could easily find hideout and go ahead with his mission, '' Mr Goyal, scheduled to relinquish his present posting, said.

UNI